Our children grow up, and as they grow, they are becoming aware of the world around them and asking themselves more and more questions. One of the most feared moments by some parents is when the child asks, "Where do children come from?" However, it is a matter to which we are relatively accustomed and, with our pluses and minuses, we usually get away with it.
But what about homosexuality? For many families this is a much more thorny issue. And it is that, despite the fact that we have advanced a lot in sexual rights and freedom, homosexuality continues to be, unfortunately, a subject not without controversy. In each house there is a different opinion, but As mothers and fathers we have the responsibility to educate our children in respect and tolerance for all people and their choices. Especially in these times when, fortunately, loving someone of the same sex is increasingly normalized. But how to do it? How can we talk openly with our children about homosexuality without transmitting prejudices or taboos to them?
How to talk to your children about homosexuality?
Get ready for the moment
Although the subject may be thorny, you should be aware that no one better than us to educate and inform our children. That is why it is convenient that you prepare yourself and assume sexuality as something natural, to be able to speak with your children without taboos. Faced with the dreaded question of "Mom, what is it like to be gay?" You have to act naturally and answer calmly, providing enough information and adapted to the age of the questioner.
When to start?
Many families wonder when they should start addressing the issue. Really, more than sitting down to talk about it, we should include it in our everyday conversations naturally and, of course, answering your questions openly, without lies. We can also take advantage of situations that arise on a day-to-day basis to deal with the subject.
Forget about prejudices
Surely you will have your opinion formed on the subject, but remember that our mission as mothers and fathers is not to transmit our ideas to children, but provide them with the information they need to reflect and form their own opinion.
Being gay is not a disease
Put aside your fears and explain to your children that being gay is not a disease, but simply a different, but equally respectable, sexual condition. Do not convey the idea that it is something abnormal or pathological. Don't worry if you have a friend who shows same-sex attraction, either. Teach him to respect everyone and to form his own judgment.
Talking about homosexuality with your son will not condition his sexual identity
Some families fear that if they talk to their children about homosexuality, they may become interested in it. Nothing is further from reality. Talking to your children about these topics contributes to a healthier sexuality, regardless of their orientation. What's more, We open the doors so that they can express themselves freely and convey their doubts or fears in this regard. And who better than us to solve them? By speaking openly with our children, we prevent them from resorting to other means or people who may not transmit the appropriate information to them to create responsible and tolerant people.
Show respect
Avoid derogatory comments or jokes when discussing homosexuality with your children. Provide the information naturally and always showing respect for the choice or orientation of each person. You can explain to them that there are people who are homosexual due to their genetic condition and others who are homosexual by personal choice. But regardless of the reason, they all deserve the same respect.
Explain that there are different types of families
Explain to your children that there are different types of families, with mom and dad, with grandparents, uncles, or with two people of the same sex, and that they are all equally valid and respectable. Make them see that, Regardless of how the family is, what is important is the love and happiness of the people.
Use literature or film and television characters
There are many books or movie and television characters that can help your children understand homosexuality better. In this way, children empathize with the characters and learn to normalize the different options without prejudice.
Some stories dealing with homosexuality:
- Oliver Button is a babe (Tomie De Paola)
- Aitor has two moms
- The magic pen
- The red frog
- King and king
- Julia, the girl who had the shadow of a boy
- My mommy is no longer cold
- Princess li
- Each family in its own way
- Mom's dress
- The pink monster
I hope that with these small contributions it will be easier for you to talk about homosexuality with your children. Do not forget that whatever your opinion is, the important thing is that you convey objectivity and respect to them. Growing up in an environment where tolerance and dialogue prevail is essential for Your children grow up happy and unafraid to accept themselves as they are and without prejudice towards other people's choices.